Abstract: A container rack for pliable bottles, the container rack having a frame and one or more bottle receptacles extending in a horizontal direction into the frame. Each bottle receptacles has a liner wall having a generally circular profile as viewed along the horizontal direction, and a support wall extending radially inward from the liner wall within a lower-most quadrant of the generally circular profile of the liner wall. The support wall has a base portion and a plurality of ribs extending along the horizontal direction and protruding away from the base portion to respective distal ends with the base portion between the distal ends and the generally circular profile of the liner wall. The respective distal ends define a support surface configured to support at least one pliable bottle.

Abstract: Processes for modifying a surface geometry of a thermoplastic part are provided. One process includes placing a thermoplastic part in proximity to a head of an extruder; positioning the extruder head relative to a surface of the thermoplastic part; extruding plasticized material from the extruder head to the surface of the thermoplastic part such that the plasticized material exerts a first melt pressure on both of the extruder head and the thermoplastic part; moving the extruder head from a first position to a second position corresponding on the surface; producing a portion of plasticized material having a thickness that is substantially constant between the first position and the second position; and cooling the plasticized material to fuse it to the surface. The head may be movable on guide rails, and the surface and head may be urged to a predetermined position relative to each other by one or more springs.

Abstract: A tray system includes a first tray having a plurality of stacking units. In one embodiment, each stacking unit forms a lower receptacle for receiving a neck portion of a first bottle, and an upper receptacle for receiving a base portion of a second bottle to be stacked above the first bottle. The lower receptacle has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a sidewall connecting the first end with the second end. The first end forms an opening for receiving a neck of a first bottle into the lower receptacle. The sidewall has a taper that prevents racking. The tray system may also include a second tray and a pallet.

Abstract: A tray system includes a first tray having a plurality of stacking units. In one embodiment, each stacking unit forms a lower receptacle for receiving a neck portion of a first bottle, and an upper receptacle for receiving a base portion of a second bottle to be stacked above the first bottle. The lower receptacle has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a sidewall connecting the first end with the second end. The first end forms an opening for receiving a neck of a first bottle into the lower receptacle. The sidewall has a taper that prevents racking. The tray system may also include a second tray and a pallet.

Abstract: A tray system includes a first tray having a plurality of stacking units. In one embodiment, each stacking unit forms a lower receptacle for receiving a neck portion of a first bottle, and an upper receptacle for receiving a base portion of a second bottle to be stacked above the first bottle. The lower receptacle has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a sidewall connecting the first end with the second end. The first end forms an opening for receiving a neck of a second bottle into the lower receptacle. The tray system may also include a second tray and a pallet.

Abstract: A tray system for display, storage and transportation of bottles includes a first tray having a plurality of stacking units. Each stacking unit can include a lower receptacle for receiving a neck portion of a first bottle. Each stacking unit can also include an upper receptacle for receiving a base portion of a second bottle to be stacked vertically above a first bottle. The lower receptacle can include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a sidewall connecting the first end with the second end. The first end forms an opening for receiving a neck of the first bottle into the lower receptacle. The lower receptacle further includes a protective element. The protective element can be attached to the lower receptacle to provide a protective guard between the lower receptacle and a shoulder portion of the first bottle received in the lower receptacle.

Abstract: A pallet system may include at least one pallet having a tray portion and a pedestal portion. The tray portion may include a generally flat platform having a perimeter edge. The pedestal portion may form at least one receptacle extending beneath the platform for receiving a neck portion of a bottle positioned beneath the platform.

Abstract: A storage unit including a support structure defining at least one storage area including a support surface to support at least one storable member and an opening to remove the storable member from the storage area. The support surface has an axis that is at an acute angle ø with respect to horizontal.